W.Va. police searching for stolen SWAT rifle, ammo

By Rusty Marks Charleston Gazette

WHEELING, W.Va. — Ohio County authorities have not located a fully automatic assault rifle stolen from the Wheeling Police Department almost a month ago.

Wheeling Police Chief Robert Matheny said the full-auto M16 rifle was stolen from the pickup truck of a Wheeling Police SWAT member on Oct. 21 at the officer's home. SWAT team members had been permitted to take their weapons and equipment home with them under police department regulations. An unknown amount of ammunition was also stolen, Matheny said.